Neighbors appalled that man is accused of raping teen inside Sedalia church

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SEDALIA, Mo. -- There`s outrage in a Sedalia neighborhood after prosecutors charged a man with sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl inside a church. Travis Clunie, 25, is now charged with second degree rape and statutory rape.

According to a probable cause statement, Clunie first denied having sex with the teenage girl, but later during an interview, Clunie admitted to a detective that he had sex with the teen a few months ago.

Court papers reveal the girl told investigators the sexual assaults took place during youth meetings at New Hope Baptist Church.

“It`s sad really and I`m just appalled by it,” said Terry Zaremba, who lives around the corner from the church.

“Yes it makes me mad because I have a 16-year-old granddaughter and I wouldn`t want that to go on in her church,” she continued.

Court papers further reveal the girl told detectives Clunie had sex with her on two separate occasions, once in an upstairs bathroom, and in another room at the church.

According to the probable cause statement the teen stated: “she told Clunie no several times and tried to leave the bathroom, but she told police Clunie blocked the door and she later saw it was locked.”

New Hope`s pastor tells FOX 4 that Clunie is not a member of his church, but recently visited with a relative.

“That shouldn`t happen, you know, in God`s house, that`s just sad,” said Zaremba.

Prosecutors say while investigating the 15-year-old girl`s claims, a 21-year-old woman came forward and said a few months ago that Clunie sodomized her at Katy Park. He was subsequently charged in that case as well.

Clunie is being held on a pair of $100,000 bonds, and will make court appearances for both cases on May 12 according to online records.